New cloud computing facility for St. Thomas just one example of community collaboration in action

More and more, South Florida technology organizations are working together in collaborative efforts, synergistically leveraging each other’s strengths to bring better programs to more people. That is a key trend, showing it is possible to overcome some of the things that have been holding our region back in the technology race.

In October, the SFTA monthly meeting will be held at St Thomas University and the university will use the occasion to announce a very significant new initiative in cloud computing. St Thomas will announce a new Cloud Computing facility, supported with a grant by IBM, that will initially work on a project with major league sports organizations and The Flagship Solutions Group. This initiative was brokered by a member of the SFTA Board of Directors and it has wide implications for the university, the region and professional sports. Making that meeting even better will be the presence of several prominent sports stars from South Florida. For more information.

In November, SFTA will join with the Enterprise Development Corporation, the incubator headquartered in Boca Raton, to present the EDC’s Emerging Business Technologies Showcase. For many years, the ETBS has been the premier event showcasing emerging business from South Florida to investors and business leaders from the region and around the country. Every year, local start-ups present their business plans to the audience and meet investors in the exhibit area to showcase their companies and products. This year 14 companies will be presenting, with products in medical technology, mobil apps, web-based TV and many more. In addition, there will be keynote presentations, panel discussions and success stories. For more information.

ITPalooza

December brings the ITPalooza Charity Christmas Party. It is South Florida’s biggest IT holiday party, held every year to raise money for local charities. In 2012, more than 1,200 people from 50 local tech groups raised $30,000. It will be hosted by the Nova Southeastern University Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences and will feature a full day of vendor-prospect interaction, tech education sessions, hackathons, professional networking and a tech employment fair. The day will culminate in a grand courtyard holiday party with live music by the all-IT professionalITPalooza band led by SFTA’s own Lenny Chesal. Many people are involved in the organization effort for ITPalooza, led by the CIO Council and Sherlock Staffing. For more information.

These are just a few of the many collaborative efforts underway or planned for the future in our region. They will bring worthwhile programs to our community but, more importantly, they will build a regional community spirit that is vital to the success of technology in South Florida.

Linda Gove is executive director of the South Florida Technology Alliance, www.southfloridatech.org. Follow the SFTA @SoFlaTech

About the SFTA

The South Florida Technology Alliance (SFTA) promotes the growth, success and awareness of the regional technology community. Through events, networking, programs and education, we provide south Florida’s technology-related companies, academic institutions, entrepreneurs, governments and related organizations with an active forum to grow the business of technology in our region.

Get ready for some great IT, virtualization, network, software and other conversations with some of the best people in South Florida’s IT community (including YOU!). SFTA MEMBERS! Please sign in and register as an SFTA[...]

Get ready for some great IT, virtualization, network, software and other conversations with some of the best people in South Florida’s IT community (including YOU!). SFTA MEMBERS! Please sign in and register as an SFTA[...]

Get ready for some great IT, virtualization, network, software and other conversations with some of the best people in South Florida’s IT community (including YOU!). SFTA MEMBERS! Please sign in and register as an SFTA[...]

ABOUT SFTA

SFTA is a non-profit business organization that fosters the growth and success of IT hardware, software and services providers and users in South Florida by offering relevant industry programs, networking and business development opportunities. SFTA is the winner of the 2008 Miami Chamber of Commerce – Technology Award and runner-up in 2009. We have affiliations and partnerships with every major, recognized group in South Florida.
SFTA Monthly reaches out to over 3,000 technology individuals in South Florida. The value of SFTA membership and sponsorship is awareness and “pushing” of your company to members and friends of SFTA. Are you ready to build your organization’s awareness and contribute to the IT business community?